Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Another torch bearer of the Mother Teresa’s legacy has gone
behind the curtain of eternity. The past Superior General of Missionaries of
Charity Sister Nirmala passed away on June 23, 2015 after a brief illness. She
was 81 years old. She had the health problems for some time and was desisting
from the public engagements for that reason. Sister Nirmala took up the mantle
of running the organization after the death of the Nobel Laureate Mother
Theresa back in 1997. The condolences are pouring from different parts of the
world. People from all walks of life, including the leaders from Church,
polity, etc., are mourning the death of a great soul that devoted its life for
the humanity.

Legacy of Sister Nirmala

After taking the mantle of running the Kolkata-based
Missionaries of Charity in 1997, the fame and work of the organization spread
far and wide. In fact, she completed her tenure as the Superior General of
Missionaries of Charity twice successfully. Paying tribute to her good work and
astute leadership abilities in steering the modern plans of the organization,
she was re-elected for the third time to lead it. She, however, politely
refused the offer, citing the failing health as the prime reason. When Mother
Teresa passed away, the Missionaries of Charity had a presence in 123 countries
and operating about 605 homes worldwide. Under the guidance and leadership of Sister
Nirmala, the number of homes increased to 720 in as many as 145 countries.

Profile of Sister Nirmala

Sister Nirmala was born as Nirmala Joshi to a Nepali Hindu
Brahmin family based in Ranchi in 1934. She got impressed with the kind of work
done by Mother Teresa and her organization Missionaries of Charity. Hence, she
decided to join the organization and got herself converted to a practicing
Christian at a young age of 24 years. Since then, she rose through the ranks of
the organization and worked alongside Mother Teresa. Due to this reason, late
Mother Teresa had some liking for her. While working for the Missionaries of
Charity, she got a degree in Political Science and law. She was selected the
Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity after the demise of its founding
Superior General Mother Teresa. Immediately after swearing-in, she took a vow
to follow the footsteps of her mentor. She proved through her works and dedication
what personality had. Looking at her work and the compassion for power, just
like her mentor Mother Teresa, many people suggested that she should be called
Mother Nirmala. However, she turned down the suggestion and told them that she
was content with the name Sister Nirmala. According to her, the prefix Mother
is befitting only for her mentor Mother Teresa. This was the kind of devotion
and respect she had towards Mother Teresa.